The new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupé (C 238): Stylish and sporty

The new E-Class Coupé is here. Sporting a sensual silhouette and a puristic and prestigious exterior design philosophy, the C 238 is a complete departure from the old C 207 model generation. The side profile has gained a muscular shoulder and no character line to make the controversial ponton crease forgotten. The model builds on the already highly praised design idiom of the S-Class Coupé and C-Class Coupé. The pillarless windows, the frameless doors and the iconic fixed, triangle window, as well as the horizontal LED tail lamps with stardust effect, add further exclusivity to the design and also build on the intricate elegance of the new E-Class Coupé.

For the first time, Mercedes-Benz premieres the welcome feature for the rear lights, a sensational visual technology that was available for the MULTIBEAM LED headlamps until now. The all new C 238 model series also comes equipped with an entire host of digital systems. The latest generation of the COMAND Online is offering full smartphone integration, NFC charging, internet access, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, Mercedes me concierge services and seamless operating through the Touch Control function on the steering wheel and upgraded LINGUATRONIC system.

To ensure maximum visibility, the new E-Class Coupé features the MAGIC VISION CONTROL heated-water wiper system that has been premiered on the new SL R 231 generation back in 2011. The DYNAMIC SELECT chassis offers the possibility of tailoring the dynamics of the car to the driver's needs, in addition to featuring extensive driving modes. For increased comfort, the triple air-chamber AIRMATIC suspension is also available as an option for the new E-Class Coupé.

At the start of sales, a lineup of 4 powerplants will be offered, all of them fitted with 9G-TRONIC as standard: the petrol units are the E 200 with 184 hp, E 300 with 245 hp and E 400 4MATIC with 333 hp, whereas the single diesel variant will be the E 220 d with 195 hp from the newly premiered OM654 engine. Further variants will be released in 2017 and 2018, as already communicated by Mercedes-Benz. To celebrate the launch of the new two-door business model, the Stuttgart-based carmaker has created the E-Class Coupé Edition 1, which comes as standard with AMG Line, multi-spoke, 20" alloy wheels in AMG design, high-gloss black exterior finish and contrasting white/black leather upholstery.

For more details on the all new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupé (C 238), read the following press release. Enjoy!

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

Stuttgart, Germany - With its expressive coupé-esque proportions, clear and sensual design and long-distance comfort for four people, the new E‑Class Coupé combines the beauty and classic virtues of a grand tourer with state-of-the-art technology. It also offers the intelligence of the E‑Class family with full smartphone integration, Widescreen Cockpit and the latest driver assistance systems with the option of, among other things, partially automated driving. Powerful engines with low exhaust emissions and comfortable suspensions with selective damping provide the guarantee of a sporty and agile driving experience.

After the world's most intelligent executive saloon, the Estate and the All‑Terrain, the successful E‑Class family now welcomes another new member: the Coupé. "With its clear, aesthetic lines, our new E‑Class Coupé appeals equally to heart and mind. It condenses contemporary luxury, agile sportiness and high-tech engineering into an automotive personality with esprit, offering exclusive, refined driving pleasure," says Prof. Dr Thomas Weber, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development.
Based technically on the Saloon, the sportily exclusive Coupé marks a next step in the evolution of the Mercedes-Benz design language. With its perfect proportions, the new Coupé exhibits a puristic, surface-accentuated design with reduced lines and sensual forms. Both hot and cool, the reduced design idiom represents beauty and elegance while emphasising the Coupé's sporty and luxurious personality.

The coupé-esque proportions typical of Mercedes-Benz are characterised by a distinctive front end with low-positioned sports grille and central star, a long bonnet with powerdomes, a rearward-shifted, squat greenhouse and a muscular rear end. The dynamic looks are underlined by four frameless side windows and the absence of a B‑pillar. With these clear forms, the design of the Coupé conveys an air of luxury and style alike.
World premiere: welcome feature of tail lamp

Equally typical of a Mercedes coupé are the two-part, extremely flat LED tail lamps, which, in combination with LED MULTIBEAM headlamps, celebrate the world premiere of a welcome feature. When the vehicle is opened, the taillight LEDs illuminate successively from the centre of the vehicle outwards. On locking the vehicle, the light sequence runs in the opposite direction. Both are additionally combined with an up and down dimming feature. This taillight show welcomes and says goodbye to the vehicle user similarly to the familiar welcome feature of the blue optical-fibre show in the front headlamp.

Thanks to innovative crystal optics, the tail lamps also have a brilliant appearance reminiscent of the glow of a jet engine.
Sporty, luxurious interior with refined details

The interior of the new E-Class Coupé embodies the synthesis of sporty emotion and luxurious intelligence.

The two optionally available high-resolution and brilliant 12.3‑i nch displays – unique in this segment - are merged under a single lens to produce a Widescreen Cockpit that appears to float in space. The key design element, it emphasises the width, as does the fascia-spanning trim, which terminates with a dynamic sweep in the door panel. Positioned in the driver's direct field of vision, the instrument cluster shows virtual instruments, which can be selected by the driver in three different styles, "Classic", "Sport" and "Progressive", depending on which information and views the driver considers relevant.

The entry-level model combines two round dials and a 17.8 cm colour display cluster (1000 x 600 pixel resolution) with a central display with a 21.3 cm screen diagonal (960 x 540 pixels). The round dials, instrument cluster and central display are installed in a single frame with a high-gloss piano-lacquer look.

A decidedly sporty note is set by the air vents, the form of which is heavily influenced by the look of a turbine engine. They are styled down to the smallest detail and fully finished in silver shadow.

Touch Control buttons in the steering wheel enable the driver to control the instrument cluster and multimedia system using finger swipes without having to take their hands off the steering wheel. Additional controls come in the form of a touchpad with controller in the centre console, which can also recognise handwriting, plus the LINGUATRONIC voice control system. There are also direct-access buttons for controlling the air conditioning, for example, and for convenient activation and deactivation of certain driver assistance systems.

The avant-garde yet highly luxurious seats in the Coupé take their cue from the Saloon. The sporty individual-seat characteristics find their distinctive impression in all four seats. A wealth of extremely high-grade design details bear witness to the superlative standard of a sporty luxury coupé.

High-grade materials and contemporary colour landscapes come together to create a sporty, contemporary luxury. The attractive appointments in yacht blue in combination with macchiato beige lend the vehicle a cool, exclusive yachting look. Especially for the E-Class Coupé, there is a choice of two new innovative, light wood trim packages in open-pore and high-gloss finishes. Precisely executed seams give emphasis to the seat design of each equipment line. The seat upholstery layout and range of colours of the AMG Line are more consistent in appearance than ever. The sporty character is accentuated by strong colour contrasts of the leather appointments in black & classic red and black & white. The impressive range of exterior paint finishes is harmoniously matched to the contemporary interior colour scheme.

The interior lighting makes exclusive use of durable, energy-saving LED technology. The same applies to the optionally available enhanced ambient lighting with 64 colours.
Diversity to suit every taste

Even the AVANTGARDE standard equipment package is abundantly configured. Alternatively, there is the AMG Line, which differs from AVANTGARDE by such features as front and rear bumpers as well as side skirts and larger AMG Styling wheels. The dots in the diamond radiator grille are chrome-plated, while the brake discs on the front axle are perforated. The interior boasts such features as seats in high-grade ARTICO/DINAMICA in black with grey contrasting topstitching, the Seat Comfort package and an AMG leather sports steering wheel. Additional individualisation options for both lines come courtesy of the Night package with a host of design details in high-gloss black and tinted side windows.

Larger and more luxurious

With a length of 4826 mm, a width of 1860 mm and a height of 1430 mm, the new E-Class Coupé clearly outstrips its predecessor in terms of length, width and height. The principal beneficiary of the wider track, with 1605 mm at the front (+67 mm) and 1609 mm at the rear (+68 mm), is the driving dynamics.

Exterior dimensions

Its increased dimensions provide passengers with more interior space and comfort – especially in terms of rear legroom, front and rear shoulder room and rear headroom.

Interior dimensions

Performance with high-tech

A range of powerful and efficient petrol and diesel engines are available, all of which are equipped with ECO start/stop and comply with the Euro 6 emissions standard. This includes the new 2.0-litre diesel engine launched in the new E-Class Saloon.

At market launch, there will be an initial choice between one diesel and three petrol engines with a range of outputs from135 kW (184 hp) to 245 kW (333 hp). Further engine variants and 4MATIC versions will follow.

New four-cylinder diesel engine

Designed to meet the future RDE limits, the four-cylinder diesel engine from the new family of Mercedes-Benz engines opens up a new dimension in efficiency. With a displacement of two litres, the new diesel engine delivers 143 kW/194 hp, while the E 220 d impresses with a combined NEDC average consumption of 4.0 litres per 100 kilometres (71 mpg). This is equivalent to CO2 emissions of 106 grams per kilometre. In addition, the four-cylinder with single-stage turbocharger and variable turbine geometry is distinguished by a high level of refinement. Both the cylinder head and the crankcase are made of aluminium. The Mercedes-Benz-developed NANOSLIDE® surface coating efficiently reduces the friction between cylinder liner and steel piston.

The model line-up at a glance:

All the models available at market launch are equipped as standard with the 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission, which allows fast gearshifts along with lower engine speeds. This has a particularly beneficial effect on efficiency and noise.

Suspension – sporty comfort

The suspension on the new E-Class Coupé offers greater driving pleasure combined with exceptional ride comfort. The Coupé comes as standard with DIRECT CONTROL suspension. The suspension is 15 millimetres lower than on the Saloon and is tuned for comfort with an amplitude-dependent damping system.

The DYNAMIC BODY CONTROL suspension with adjustable damping is optionally available. It, too, is set lower. Using a switch in the centre console for the as-standard DYNAMIC SELECT system, the driver can vary the damping characteristics of this suspension. Three modes are available, offering a wide range of adjustment options: “Comfort”, “Sport” and “Sport+”.

AIR BODY CONTROL multi-chamber air suspension

Alternatively, the new E-Class Coupé can be equipped with multi-chamber air suspension, including all-round roll/pitch/heave stabilisation. Three chambers of different size in the spring struts of the rear axle and two in the spring struts of the front axle make it possible to control the hardness of the suspension in three stages. Occupants can enjoy comfort suspension, without compromising the car’s handling abilities.

The multi-chamber air suspension is augmented by a continuous, electronically controlled adaptive damping system. The damping at each individual wheel is adjusted fully automatically to suit the current driving situation and condition of the road – such as in the case of evasive manoeuvres or on rough tracks. The system therefore delivers good ride comfort along with excellent driving dynamics.

Using the DYNAMIC SELECT switch, the driver can also select different suspension characteristics in combination with the AIR BODY CONTROL system: “Comfort”, “ECO”, “Sport”, “Sport +” and “Individual”.

DYNAMIC SELECT – choose your own driving characteristics

The DYNAMIC SELECT system not only makes it possible to select the suspension characteristics in combination with DYNAMIC BODY CONTROL and AIR BODY CONTROL, but it also enables the driver to influence other vehicle settings – such as the throttle response, ECO start/stop function, shift points of the automatic transmission and more. Depending on the equipment level, DYNAMIC SELECT provides the following transmission modes: Comfort, ECO, Sport, Sport + and Individual. Individual allows the driver to configure their own preferred transmission modes.

Full smartphone integration

A new era of connectivity and digitalisation is marked by the infotainment system in the E-Class Coupé with COMAND Online. This includes effortless integration of the smartphone into the vehicle’s infotainment system by means of capacitive aerial coupling and wireless charging. This means that compatible mobile phones can be charged wirelessly and also connected to the vehicle’s exterior aerial. This eliminates the need to find a plug and connect a cable. There is an added advantage: using Near Field Communication, the customer’s smartphone becomes the digital vehicle key with which the car can be locked and unlocked as well as started.

Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto

If the vehicle is equipped with COMAND Online, it is possible to use Apple’s smartphone-based infotainment system CarPlay® as well as Google’s Android Auto™. If a compatible smartphone is connected by USB, the customer can, if desired, switch to the CarPlay® or Android Auto interface.

Internet and diverse data sources even in the basic version

In addition to COMAND Online, the Audio 20 USB/GPS infotainment systems are available. Like COMAND Online, they come with a Bluetooth® hands-free system and also have internet capability with a Bluetooth®-capable mobile phone with mobile phone card and data option. COMAND Online also offers an integrated hotspot functionality.

Clear road instead of traffic jams: Live Traffic Information

Whereas the familiar Live Traffic Information was previously reserved for COMAND Online, in combination with Mercedes me connect the new E-Class Coupé offers the same function with the Audio 20 GPS with GARMIN MAP PILOT SYSTEM as well. Live Traffic Information allows the reception of up-to-the-minute, accurate traffic information in real-time. Other new features include a Free Flow display – green lines plainly show the driver where the roads are currently clear – as well as the display and consideration of traffic information away from the main roads.
Mercedes me connect Concierge Service: personalised attention

The new Concierge Service is exclusively available in all E-Class models in combination with Mercedes me connect. For participating customers, the range of services includes a host of personalised assistance options: from making a restaurant reservation to obtaining tips about tourist routes, information on cultural and sporting events and bookings through to sending navigation destinations directly to the vehicle.

Access is straightforward: registered Mercedes me connect users can call up the Concierge Service in 19 countries across Europe either via the iCall button in the vehicle or on the Mercedes me app. The personal assistant takes care of everything else.

E-Class innovations on board

As a member of the current E-Class family, the new Coupé is significantly more intelligent than its predecessor. It comes with all the features of the E-Class, the most intelligent executive saloon. Active Brake Assist comes as standard. It is able to warn the driver of an imminent collision, provide optimum support with emergency braking and, if necessary, also autonomously apply the brakes. In addition to slower-moving, stopping or stationary vehicles, it can also detect pedestrians crossing in the danger zone ahead of the vehicle.

Other highlights include DRIVE PILOT: this system represents Mercedes-Benz's next step along the road to autonomous driving. As Distance Pilot DISTRONIC, it is not only able to keep the car at the correct distance behind vehicles in front on all types of road, but, for the first time, it can also automatically follow them at a speed of up to 210 km/h (130 mph).

Remote Parking Pilot is also new: for the first time, this system allows the vehicle to be moved into and out of garages and parking spaces remotely using a smartphone app, enabling the occupants to get into and out of the car easily, even where space is very tight.

The E-Class Coupé is also optionally available with other intelligent technical systems, including:

- MAGIC VISION CONTROL - an intelligent and highly efficient wash/wipe system for the windscreen. The wiper blade always delivers washer fluid directly in front of the wiping edge, via the water feed line integrated into the blade – and it does this in both wiping directions. The result is that there is no surge of water when fluid is sprayed, which can impair the driver's vision, and at the same time the maximum cleaning effect is achieved. The complete MAGIC VISION CONTROL system, including the wiper blades, is heated at low temperatures to prevent snow or ice from sticking in winter.

E-Class Coupé with tradition

The latest member of the E-Class family can look back on an almost fifty-year history. Its first ancestor was unveiled by Mercedes-Benz in 1968 (at that time known as the “Stroke Eight” coupé). Further model series followed – for a while under the name CLK. Each generation combined superb design with agile sportiness and contemporary luxury.